Respectful Parents: pg 9

04-15-2008, 07:04 AM

I just received my book yesterday from API (our office manager is very quick!) and I am truly enjoying what I am reading. When I read the words "To live authentically, with clarity about what is important and true for you, is the goal - not perfection." it really hit home for me. In my mind and my view I am not striving to be a perfect parent and yet when I have a parenting moment I am not proud of, I berate myself internally. Sure, on the outside to my daughter I say "I'm sorry; that is not what mommy intended. Mommy should have done X and next time I'll remember to do it differently." But on the inside I feel my fear and I hear my disappointment. Not exactly authentic or compassionate... LOL!

Respectful Parents Respectful Kids was such a great way for me to see NVC in action. It also helped me, like you said to learn to have self-empathy for myself as a parent. We are fortunate enough to have an NVC Facilitator in our group and she faciliates discussions now and then on self-empathy. What a good book!